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Jewish World Review Feb. 20, 2001/ 27 Shevat, 5761
Marianne M. Jennings
http://www.jewishworldreview.com --
THERE are not many occasions when social scientists produce rational
thought. However, their research on faith-based programs is unassailable.
These programs work in everything from preventing teen pregnancy to drug
rehab to reduced recidivism. Plowing more money into these programs is
simply economic and social efficiency.
Chuck Colson, a Nixon and Watergate crony, did 7 months in the federal
pen for obstruction of justice. What does a lawyer who once said he would
have run over his grandmother to win an election do following a felony plea
and hard time? Form Prison Fellowship, the largest prison ministry in the
world, now reaching into 83 countries. Inmates who participate in Prison
Fellowship are 3 times less likely to be rearrested than those released from
prison without Colson's program. Researchers who examined Colson's efforts
conclude there is no better program anywhere.
Franklin Raines, a Democrat, former Carter administration official and
chairman and CEO of Fannie Mae has written, "When it comes to alleviating
poverty and social pathologies, the most creative force in America are
volunteer organizations in those neighborhoods where it takes faith to
believe transformation is possible," and "We've found that some of the best
services emanate from groups inspired by or affiliated with religious
organizations."
But, President Bush should resist the temptation to toss federal money at
faith-based groups. Religion is far too fearsome to idolaters who worship
rights, power and Barbra Streisand to allow faith and its healing powers to
increase via government funds. For example, Colson teaches we are all made
in G-d's image and crime is an affront not just to G-d but others who share
that dignity of origin. John DiIulio, Bush's director for his faith-based
program office, has taken leave of his senses if he believes the ACLU is
going to let that one slip by unchallenged. He might as well wear a sign on
his back that reads, "Sue me!" The courts would have an easier time with
Bible thumpers proselytizing with tambourines outside partial-birth abortion
clinics. These protestors at least have a First Amendment prayer, as it
were. The Boy Scouts had a heck of a time demanding straight leaders around
young boys and the ACLU is going to take a pass on repentance for burglars?
It is a mistake to underestimate the resolve of the dark side. The grizzly
death of Madalyn Murray O'Hair, the woman who got prayer out of schools, at
the hands of one of her followers evidences the chasm of evil in the hearts
of those who disdain religion and the boundaries of right and wrong. Their
moral corruptness causes passion, not reason, to control their actions. In a
debate on the Chris Matthews Hardball program on federal funds for
faith-based programs an ACLU attorney moaned, "These people have a right to
professional counselors." Ah, the right to licensed treatment that will get
them nowhere, not faith that heals.
Beyond the problems with pagan fussbudgets who will whine via litigation
until they get their way are the constraints that federal funding will bring
to these noble organizations. Clarence Thomas has often spoken of his
grandparents' refusal to take welfare payments despite dire poverty. He and
his family hold the firm conviction that for everything you get from the
government, you surrender something in return. For welfare, you lose your
privacy.
Faith-based organizations will lose control and the freedom to do
as Chuck Colson does - pray, teach and testify about the saving grace of G-d.
In surrendering their independence, they will sacrifice efficacy. Larry
King reported in USA Today that President Gordon B. Hinckley of the Mormon
Church plans to refuse federal funds despite that group's highly successful
welfare program because of these issues and the importance of separation of
church and state. An organization cannot be faith-based and federally
ecumenical. They sacrifice their souls for cash.
Even in faith-based universities that simply accept Pell grants from their
students, the long tentacles of federalism reach in and impose Title IX
equality in sports, affirmative action programs and all manner of
heavy-handed federal mischief. Brigham Young University found itself in
court defending its mandatory and faith-based policy on separate housing for
men and women because its accepts federal student loan funds.
Faith-based organizations should not take the money - they should run. Mr.
Bush should work to increase private donations via tax credits providing
incentives for groups that provide cures through faith. But, to inextricably
intertwine the Feds with faith is misguided. If we cannot have a prayer at a
football game, what makes us believe we are going to allow drug addicts to
rely on G-d? Dream on.
The days of "In G-d we trust" are numbered. If
offense is taken at faith manifest on coins, imagine what the healing
testimony of an ex-con will
02/06/00: Enough already with the Clintoons
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